UFO?

The UWS Observatory now leads the world in the search for extra terrestrial intelligence after it established visual contact last night.

The duty astronomer called in the Parkes radio telescope after sighting a small object in the direction of Mars.

Parkes interpreted the audio signal as a repetitive but cheerful sound, not unlike the words, "Ho! Ho! Ho!"

It was Santa Claus, a week early and, apparently, a long way off course.

It seems that Santa's mailbox contained a letter from NASA asking for the return of the Mars polar lander they lost last Christmas.

It is not known if he has the lander in tow but NASA are keeping their fingers crossed.

Santa's return will be visible over eastern Australia as a fiery streak about midnight on Christmas Eve.

A few showers are predicted at that time as Frosty the Snowman may have some difficulty with the re-entry temperature. If he melts too much Santa will teleport him direct to the North Pole for restorative re-freezing.

The six white boomers will have no trouble with the hop from Mars to Earth.

Merry Christmas.